Fer, Nicolas de

L'Atlas Curieux ou Le Monde Représenté dans des Cartes Générales et Particulières du Ciel et de la Terre. [–Suite de l'Atlas Curieux]. Paris: chez l'auteur, 1700 [–1704]; [Suite: Paris: chez l'Auteur, 1716]



2 volumes, oblong 4to (I: 11 3/4 x 16 3/4 in.; 298 x 425 mm, II: 11 x 16 3/4 in.; 280 x 425 mm). Engraved throughout (except 1 letterpress title), 3 engraved titles, 133 text leaves, 216 plates of which 153 are maps with outline color, 57 are views, and 6 are diagrams or illustrations of instruments, (8 of the maps and views are folding), a contents leaf at the end of first volume, publisher's catalogue at the end of the second; some light browning, occasional marginal dampstains, those in second volume sometimes affecting image, the captions for views of the Chateau of Meudon have been edited with pasteover slips where ownership has changed, occasional small tears entering image from gutter margin (a few mended), the map of "environs de Namur" shaved in upper right corner, occasional marginal spotting, lower outer corner of map of "La Rochelle" torn away without loss. Contemporary mottled calf, spines gilt. In two green cloth drop-boxes; corners and edges torn, scrapes and scuffmarks.

Pastoureau Fer 1B & 1C; Phillips 532

some light browning, occasional marginal dampstains, those in second volume sometimes affecting image, the captions for views of the Chateau of Meudon have been edited with pasteover slips where ownership has changed, occasional small tears entering image from gutter margin (a few mended), the map of "environs de Namur" shaved in upper right corner, occasional marginal spotting, lower outer corner of map of "La Rochelle" torn away without loss. Contemporary mottled calf, spines gilt, in two green cloth drop-boxes; corners and edges torn, scrapes and scuffmarks.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition, second issue, with the Suite. Far more than an atlas, the Atlas Curieux is geographic encyclopedia of images and a celebration of the French Empire under the Sun King, with maps of French possessions in the western hemisphere, detailed views of the grand waterworks at Marly, views of the great palaces and chateaux, views and plans of the Paris Observatory, and samples of military architecture. Issued in six annual parts from 1700-1705, the maps are based on the new observations of the Académie des Sciences, and with the assistance of Philipe de La Hire. The Suite, consists mostly of works dated 1714-1716, with two duplicates from the first volume with changed dates, consisting of the maps of Paris (1701, now 1705) and Neuchâtel (1699, now 1705).

The  present copy contains the plates from the first five fascicules (Pastoureau numbers 1-155), lacking Poland (49), Berri (67), and one view of Meudon (151) largely in the order given in Pastoureau 1B, but with additions to that listing. The Suite consists of 60 plates. A complete list of the contents will be provided on request.